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Published on: June 13, 2020
Two contrasting atmospheric circulation patterns linked to Kuroshio Extension variability
Se-Yong Song1, Samantha Stevenson1,2, Emanuele Di Lorenzo3
1Earth Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
The Kuroshio Extension (KE) influences North Pacific weather patterns differently over time. Recent decades show shifts in storm tracks linked to KE sea surface temperature variations and tropical Pacific conditions.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Atmospheric Science
- Climate Dynamics
Background:
- Kuroshio Extension (KE) variability significantly impacts North Pacific atmospheric circulation.
- Fine-scale air-sea interactions are recognized, but the underlying dynamics of KE atmospheric impacts are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and analyze contrasting atmospheric circulation patterns driven by temporal variations in KE boundary forcing.
- To elucidate the dynamics of KE's influence on atmospheric circulation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized observational analyses from 1979-2022.
- Employed a suite of climate model simulations.
- Investigated decadal shifts in KE sea surface temperature (SST) boundary forcing.
Main Results:
- Identified two distinct atmospheric circulation patterns linked to KE variability.
- Late 20th century (1979-1999): Positive KE phase correlated with a poleward storm track shift and anticyclonic circulation.
- Early 21st century (2000-2022): KE variability linked to central tropical Pacific SST, causing a southward storm track shift, cyclonic circulation, and amplified latent heat release.
Conclusions:
- Temporal variations in KE SST boundary forcing critically influence North Pacific atmospheric circulation.
- Decadal shifts in KE forcing are essential for accurate modeling of its downstream impacts.
- Understanding these dynamics is key for predicting future climate variability.
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